United Egg Producers raised some eyebrows last Thursday when Chairman Bob Krouse (Midwest Poultry, North Liberty, IN) stood with Wayne Pacelle of the Humane Society of the United States in apparent agreement on supporting federal legislation regarding national standards for the egg industry. (Listen to that exchange on Brownfield here.) In fact, some experts have concerns. We asked Paul Brennan, Executive Director of the Indiana State Poultry Association, to summarize this historic event that will most certainly affect every livestock sector.  

   

A Summary of the Agreement between the United Egg Producers (UEP) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

Paul Brennan, Indiana State Poultry Association

 

On Thursday, July 7, The United Egg Producers and the Humane Society of the United States announced an agreement to propose federal legislation for a national standard for enriched colony housing for laying hens, and a transition away from conventional cages over the next 18 years, thus pre-empting most related state laws.  Below are a few bullet points which may provide some clarity regarding the agreement and how egg farmers and consumers benefit.

 

1.     U.S. egg farmers want to protect customers and the marketplace from any disruption that could occur if a patchwork series of state laws and regulations were implemented regarding hen housing.  Existing laws in California, Michigan, Ohio, and other states could cause a disruption of interstate egg sales for our customers, as well as a labyrinth of cumbersome and expensive labeling regulations in various states.

 

2.     It is far better to have a single federally legislated standard, phased in over the next 18 years, without state trade barriers for our customers - thus minimizing any marketplace or industry disruption.  

 

3.     This will offer farmer families more certainty as they make the decisions necessary to build and finance their future laying facilities.

 

4.     Cages protect the hens in many ways including: disease control; prevent access by predators; and assurance that each hen has access to clean water and wholesome feed.  Thus HSUS's shift from opposing cages to supporting enriched colony cages will allow farmers to continue to offer these protections.  

 

5.     Much of the scientific community, including members of the UEP's Scientific Advisory Committee and the American Veterinary Medical Association, have acknowledged that enriched colony housing provides many of the benefits of both modern cages and cage-free systems.

 

6.     Nearly one-third (32%) of American consumers say they would choose enriched colony housing over modern cages or cage-free.

 

7.     The Federal standard will allow producers to re-direct more of their efforts and resources toward food safety and other aspects of production that are critical to our customers and American consumers.

 

8.      The two groups agreed to not initiate investigations or litigation against each other, except where there is probable cause to believe that a felony crime has been committed.

 

 

A glimpse of Kentuckiana 2010.

There is a lot to see at this year's Summer Dairy Farm Tour! Visit 5 unique dairy farms in the Fort Wayne area, visit a heifer raising operation, see some of the latest technology in dairy robotics, enjoy  great fellowship with other dairy producers from Indiana and Kentucky, and hear interesting topics by Kentucky Extension specialists! On top of that, there is an industry trade show and delicious food!  

 

Bus transportation is provided from Middlebury,  Topeka, and then Don Hall's Guesthouse in Fort Wayne (bus will leave Fort Wayne at noon, call for other times) and will go to all the dairy farms on Tuesday's tour. After the dinner program at Don Hall's Guesthouse on Tuesday evening, the bus will return to Topeka and Middlebury. There will not be a bus for Wednesday's tour.  IPDP members and additional people from their farms can attend for the bargain price of $25. This includes two meals and bus transportation. Hotel reservations at Don Hall's Guesthouse in Fort Wayne need to be made by July 20 to guarantee the Kentuckiana rate of $78, which includes breakfast. Please contact Doug Leman at 317-695-8228 if you have questions about the tour. More details can be found by downloading the Kentuckiana  Dairy Exchange brochure.

  

Not everyone is in agreement about dairy policy. In fact, it is probably safe to say there are many different opinions on how dairy policy needs to change to secure a viable dairy industry in the months and years ahead. Although IPDP has not endorsed any proposed policy platform, it is IPDP's obligation to bring information to its membership so that dairy producers can make an informed opinion on this important topic. With that goal in mind, we hope you study NMPF's Foundation For the Future and also take the time to read three very pointed pieces below.

The first is by Sherry Bunting, the presenter at the IPDP policy meetings held back in March. She says,

State Fair Volunteer Opportunity

How'd you like to get a free IPDP shirt, a delicious ribeye steak sandwich and a day pass to the Indiana State Fair? All of these freebies can be yours if you would be willing to volunteer some time filling IPDP volunteer slots at the Indiana Beef Council ribeye tent. We have these times to fill:
Tuesday, August 16 from 9-1:30 PM
Wednesday, August 17 from 5-10:30 PM
Thursday, August 18 from 1-5:30 PM
Please contact Dave Forgey at 574-652-2461 if you are interested in volunteering! We hope to see you at the fair!